Positioning reference signal transmission triggered by sounding reference signal

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for transmission of unlicensed band positioning reference signals triggered by SRS. The method includes receiving configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal for a first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal from a second device; if it is determined that a positioning estimate based on at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal is required, transmission of the first positioning reference signal is performed based on the configuration information; and at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal is detected based on the configuration information, and at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal is triggered from at least one of the second device or at least one third device based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal. In this way, the impact of the LBT process on PRS transmission and the potential hidden node problem at the UE are mitigated and the transmission of periodic PRS in unlicensed bands is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and in particular to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for positioning reference signal (PRS) transmission in an unlicensed band triggered by a sounding reference signal (SRS). Background Art

[0002] Local positioning is already supported in New Radio (NR). Some schemes are specified for NR positioning in Release 16. For example, these schemes may include Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDOA), Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UL-TDOA), Downlink Angle of Departure (DL-AoD), Uplink Angle of Arrival (UL-AoA), Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID), and Multi-Cell Round Trip Time (Multi-RTT). All of these positioning mechanisms rely on the transmission / reception of PRS in the downlink and / or SRS in the uplink.

[0003] Support for NR-based unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) access is also introduced in Release 16. NR operation in unlicensed bands relies on the transmitting device to sense the radio resources before starting transmission. This technique is called listen before talk (LBT). Different types of LBT procedures, such as Type 1 LBT, Type 2A / 2B LBT, and Type 2C LBT, have been defined for NR-based unlicensed spectrum access. Summary of the invention

[0004] In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a scheme for transmission of a second positioning reference signal in an unlicensed band triggered by an SRS.

[0005] In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the first device to at least: receive configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal for the first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal from a second device; if it is determined that a positioning estimate based on at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal is required, perform the transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information; and monitor at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal based on the configuration information, wherein the at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal is triggered from at least one of the second device or at least one third device based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0006] In a second aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to use the at least one processor to cause the second device to at least: send configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal for the first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal to a first device and at least one third device; detect the transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information; and cause at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to the first device to be triggered based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0007] In a third aspect, a third device is provided. The third device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to use the at least one processor to cause the third device to at least: receive configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal of the first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal from a second device; detect the transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information; and cause at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to the first device to be triggered based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal for a first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal from a second device; if it is determined that a positioning estimate based on at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal is required, performing the transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information; and detecting at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal based on the configuration information, wherein the at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal is triggered from at least one of the second device or at least one third device based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: sending configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal of the first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal to a first device and at least one third device; detecting the transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information; and causing at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to the first device to be triggered based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal of a first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal from a second device; detecting the transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information; and causing at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to the first device to be triggered based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: a component for receiving, from a second device, configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal for a first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal; a component for performing transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information if it is determined that a positioning estimate based on at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal is required; and a component for detecting at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal based on the configuration information, wherein the at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal is triggered from at least one of the second device or at least one third device based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a component for sending configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal for the first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal to a first device and at least one third device; a component for detecting the transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information; and a component for causing at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to the first device to be triggered based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a component for receiving configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal for a first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal from a second device; a component for detecting the transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information; and a component for causing at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal to the first device to be triggered based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing a device to execute the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0015] In an eleventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing a device to execute the method according to the fifth aspect.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing a device to execute a method according to the sixth aspect.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the specific embodiments read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure are presented by way of example, and their advantages are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0019] Figure 1 An example environment in which example implementations of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 A signaling diagram showing a PRS transmission procedure in an unlicensed band triggered by an SRS according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example method of PRS transmission in an unlicensed band triggered by SRS according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example method of PRS transmission in an unlicensed band triggered by SRS according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example method of PRS transmission in an unlicensed band triggered by SRS according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6 shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0025] Figure 7 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium is shown according to some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0026] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only for illustration and to help those skilled in the art understand and implement the present disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than the following description.

[0028] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0029] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, it is considered that such features, structures, or characteristics that affect correlation with other embodiments are within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0030] It should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the functionality of different elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0031] The terms used herein are used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the example embodiments. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will be further understood that when used herein, the terms "include", "currently include", "have", "for", "include" and / or "currently include" specify the features, elements and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0033] (a) hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., implementation only in analog and / or digital circuits), and

[0034] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable):

[0035] (i) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0036] (ii) any portion of a hardware processor with software (including a digital signal processor), software and memory that work together to enable a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions), and

[0037] (c) Hardware circuits and / or processors, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but which may not be present when the software is not required for operation.

[0038] The definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0039] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with any suitable communication standard, such as a fifth generation (5G) system, long term evolution (LTE), advanced LTE (LTE-A), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), high speed packet access (HSPA), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal device and the network device in the communication network can be carried out according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) communication protocol, and / or any other currently known or to be developed protocol in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there will certainly be communication technologies and systems of future types that can embody the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the above-mentioned systems.

[0040] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. Depending on the terminology and technology of the application, a network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a NodeB (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a NR new generation NodeB (gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low power node (e.g., a femto, a pico, etc.). The RAN separation architecture includes a gNB-CU (centralized unit, hosting RRC, SDAP, and PDCP) that controls multiple gNB-DUs (distributed units, hosting RLC, MAC, and PHY). A relay node may correspond to the DU portion of an IAB node.

[0041] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, the terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS) or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA)), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image acquisition terminal device such as a digital camera, a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless terminal, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop-mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless client device (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronic devices, equipment commercial operations and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) part of an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node (also known as a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0042] Although the functions described herein can be performed in various example embodiments, in fixed and / or wireless network nodes, in other example embodiments, the functions can be implemented in a user equipment device, such as a mobile phone, or a tablet computer, or a laptop computer, or a desktop computer, or a mobile Internet of Things device, or a fixed Internet of Things device. Suitably, this user equipment device can be equipped with corresponding capabilities, such as described in conjunction with fixed and / or wireless network nodes. The user equipment device can be a user device and / or a control device, such as a chipset or a processor, configured to control the user device when installed in the user device. Examples of such functionality include boot server functions and / or home subscriber servers, which can enable the user equipment device to perform from the perspective of these functions / nodes by providing configured software to the user equipment device.

[0043] Figure 1 1 shows an example communication network 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Figure 1As shown, the communication network 100 may include a terminal device 110 (hereinafter may also be referred to as UE 110 or first device 110). The communication network 100 may also include a network device 120-1 (hereinafter may also be referred to as a serving gNB 120-1 or a second device 120-1). The network device 120-1 may be a serving gNB of the terminal device 110. The terminal device 110 may communicate with the network device 120-1.

[0044] In addition, the communication network 100 may further include a network device 120-2. The network device 120-2 may be considered as a neighboring gNB of the serving gNB 120-1 (hereinafter may also be referred to as the neighboring gNB 120-2), which may communicate with the serving gNB 120-1 and the terminal device 110.

[0045] Understandably, Figure 1 The number of network devices and terminal devices shown in is for illustration purposes and is not intended to be limiting. Communication network 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and terminal devices.

[0046] In unlicensed bands, the transmission of periodic signals needs to be minimized to avoid unnecessary interference. On the other hand, accurate positioning estimation may require frequent transmission of PRS, thus requiring a large amount of signaling overhead. Therefore, a scheme for aperiodic PRS transmission may be needed.

[0047] In addition, DL-TDOA positioning techniques rely on the Rx time difference of PRS measured by UE, which is transmitted synchronously by different gNBs. Therefore, such techniques will be significantly affected in the case that the PRS transmission of at least one gNB is delayed due to LBT.

[0048] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a scheme for unlicensed band PRS transmission triggered by a positioning reference signal sent from a UE to ensure that PRS scheduling is not affected by LBT in the unlicensed spectrum. In this scheme, the serving gNB can send a configuration of a positioning reference signal to the UE, which is associated with at least one PRS transmission from at least one of the gNBs participating in the positioning process. Based on the configuration of the positioning reference signal, the UE can send a positioning reference signal, such as an SRS. Then, the gNB involved in the positioning process can detect the SRS transmission from the UE and send a PRS to the UE based on the detection.

[0049] See below for more information. Figure 2 The principles and implementations of the present disclosure are described in detail. Figure 2 FIG. 4 shows a schematic process of PRS transmission in an unlicensed band triggered by SRS. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 2 Describe process 200. Figure 1As shown, process 200 may involve UE 110, serving gNB 120-1, and neighboring gNB 120-2.

[0050] Serving gNB 120-1 may determine configuration information for positioning reference signal transmission from UE 110. Hereinafter, the positioning reference signal sent from UE 110 may be referred to as an SRS. For example, the configuration information may include time and frequency resources for SRS transmission, an SRS sequence for SRS transmission, a timing advance (TA) value for SRS transmission, an SRS transmission window, and a channel access priority level (CAPC) for an LBT procedure performed at UE 110 prior to SRS transmission. In some example embodiments, a specific SRS sequence may be configured to trigger PRS transmission.

[0051] The configuration information may be associated with PRS transmission from the serving gNB 120-1 and at least one of the neighboring gNBs involved in the positioning process 120-2. That is, the SRS sent from the UE 110 based on the configuration information may trigger at least one of the serving gNB 120-1 and the neighboring gNBs involved in the positioning process 120-2 to send a PRS. Therefore, the SRS sent from the UE 110 based on the configuration information may also be referred to as a "triggered SRS" hereinafter.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the serving gNB 120-1 may send 202 configuration information for SRS transmission to the UE 110. At the same time, the serving gNB 120-1 may also send further configuration information for PRS transmission to the UE 110 together with the configuration information for SRS transmission. It should be understood that the configuration information may be sent directly from the serving gNB 120-1 to the UE 110. Alternatively, the configuration information may also be sent from the serving gNB 120-1 to the UE 110 via a location management function (LMF). In the radio access network, the configuration information may also be sent to the UE 110 via a location management component (LMC). Similarly, the configuration information may be sent 204 from the serving gNB 120-1 to the neighboring gNB 120-2 directly or via the LMF or LMC.

[0053] In some example embodiments, configuration information may also be sent from serving gNB 120-1 to other relevant UEs. In this case, only one UE, such as UE 110 (or a subset of UEs) receiving the triggered SRS configuration may be configured to send the triggered SRS. Other UEs may only need to monitor for detection of the triggered SRS in order to prepare to receive the DL PRS.

[0054] The channel occupancy time, which is initiated by the UE and shared with the gNB, can be used by the gNB to send the PRS. Ideally, all desired gNBs can hear the triggered SRS. Therefore, the serving gNB can also determine which UE should be selected to send the triggered SRS.

[0055] In some example embodiments, for UE 110, the gNB may obtain a set of attribute parameters for UE 110. The set of attribute parameters may include an estimate of a previous location of UE 110, a mobility report of UE 110, a current timing advance value of UE 110, and a power level used by UE 110 to send a previous sounding reference signal. The LMF may help the serving gNB select a UE from which to send a triggered SRS, or the gNB may determine the target UE based on its own knowledge.

[0056] If the UE 110 determines that a PRS-based position estimation will be performed at the UE 110, then based on the SRS configuration, the UE 110 may, for example, obtain a time window for SRS transmission during which there may be one or more transmission opportunities for transmitting the SRS. Within the time window, the UE 110 may determine 206 that the COT will be shared with the serving gNB or other related gNBs for PRS transmission by performing an LBT procedure for SRS transmission.

[0057] In this case, the LBT process for SRS transmission performed at the UE may be referred to as Type 1 LBT, ie, LBT with exponential backoff. The UE 110 may obtain the CAPC from the SRS configuration and perform a first type (Type 1) of LBT based on the CAPC.

[0058] If the LBT process is successful, the UE 110 may obtain the COT and send 208 the SRS to the serving gNB 120-1 and at least one neighboring gNB 120-2 based on the COT.

[0059] The serving gNB 120-1 may monitor 212 the SRS transmission from the UE based on the configuration information for the SRS transmission. Other related gNBs (e.g., neighboring gNB 120-2) may also monitor 214 the SRS transmission from the UE if the other related gNBs have received the configuration information for the SRS transmission.

[0060] For example, the serving gNB 120-1 and at least one neighboring gNB 120-2 may determine a time window for SRS transmission based on the configuration information and detect SRS transmission from the UE 110 during the time window.

[0061] In some example embodiments, other related UEs may also detect SRS transmissions from UE 110 to prepare for receiving DL PRS transmissions from serving gNB 120-1 or other related gNBs.

[0062] In some example embodiments, if serving gNB 120-1 detects a triggered SRS transmission from UE 110, serving gNB 120-1 may determine a COT initiated by UE 110 and initiate transmission of a PRS associated with the triggered SRS within the COT.

[0063] In some example embodiments, gNB 120-1 determines that an SRS is received only when serving gNB 120-1 determines that a received signal power strength (RSRP) of the SRS exceeds a threshold level.

[0064] In some example embodiments, if serving gNB 120-1 detects a triggered SRS transmission from UE 110 and a PRS transmission is to be initiated by serving gNB 120-1, serving gNB 120-1 may determine, for example based on configuration information for the SRS transmission, a duration of an interval between an end of the triggered SRS transmission and a start of a next PRS transmission. Serving gNB 120-1 may determine a type of LBT procedure to be performed at serving gNB 120-1 based on the duration of the interval.

[0065] In some example embodiments, if the interval is less than 16 μs, the serving gNB 120-1 may perform a Type 2C (Type2C) LBT. In this case, if the LBT procedure is successful, the serving gNB 120-1 may transmit the PRS without performing energy detection, and the duration of the PRS should be less than 584 μs. In some example embodiments, if the interval is exactly 16 μs, the serving gNB 120-1 may apply a Type 2B (Type2B) LBT before the PRS transmission. In some example embodiments, if the interval is equal to or greater than 25 μs, the serving gNB 120-1 may perform a Type 2A (Type2A) LBT before the PRS transmission.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the serving gNB 120-1 may not detect the SRS transmission. In this case, the serving gNB 120-1 may perform Type 1 LBT.

[0067] If the LBT procedure performed at the serving gNB 120-1 fails, the serving gNB 120-1 may discard the PRS transmission and wait for a new triggered SRS. Alternatively, the serving gNB 120-1 may be allowed to attempt PRS transmission multiple times in the configured transmission opportunities within the obtained COT.

[0068] In some example embodiments, PRS transmission may be allowed only within a triggered SRS transmission window. In some example embodiments, an additional PRS transmission window may be configured for PRS transmission. In some example embodiments, the PRS transmission window may be explicitly or implicitly configured to be the same as the channel occupancy time COT.

[0069] Furthermore, the TA value of the UE also affects the type of LBT procedure. The gNB should be aware of the TA applied by the UE to ensure that the interval has a certain length. Assuming that only cell-specific TA is used (i.e. small cells), this can be signaled to the gNBs involved in the positioning process (except the serving gNB) by triggering the SRS configuration. Alternatively, the gNBs involved in the positioning of a given area can negotiate and agree on a TA value to be used for UEs in all cells. In the case of a UE-specific TA, in order to avoid sending UE-specific TA values ​​between gNBs, the other gNBs involved in the positioning process can assume a worst-case value for the TA.

[0070] After the LBT process at the serving gNB 120-1 is successful, the serving gNB 120-1 may send 216PRS to the UE 110.

[0071] It should be understood that other related gNBs, such as the neighboring gNB 120-2, may also detect the SRS transmitted from the UE 110 and transmit 218PRS to the UE 110 based on the detection of the SRS transmission. The process for detecting the SRS transmission from the UE 110, the process for triggering at least one PRS transmission from the neighboring gNB 120-2 to the UE 110 based on the detection of the SRS transmission, and the process for performing LBT before at least one PRS transmission at the neighboring gNB 120-2 are the same or similar to the transmission process of the serving gNB as described above and are not described in detail here.

[0072] In some example embodiments, if UE 110 receives a PRS from serving gNB 120-1 or neighboring gNB 120-2, the UE may send 220 a triggered SRS again after performing the LBT procedure if the time point at which the PRS is received is still within the time window for SRS transmission or the COT initiated by UE 110. In this case, the LBT type may be Type 2A, Type 2B, or Type 2C LBT. In this way, additional PRS transmissions by one or more gNBs may be triggered, so that, for example, the accuracy of DL TDOA measurements at the UE may be improved.

[0073] In some example embodiments, if UE 110 determines that the RSRP of the received PRS is below a threshold level, UE 110 may attempt to transmit a new triggered SRS.

[0074] If necessary, back-to-back SRS-PRS-SRS transmissions may be repeated multiple times within the COT acquired by the UE in order to achieve the required measurement time accuracy at the end or to ensure that enough gNBs are included in the process.

[0075] In some example embodiments, if UE 110 determines that the transmission of PRS is delayed by LBT, UE 110 may attempt to newly trigger the transmission of SRS.

[0076] As an alternative to SRS, PRS triggering can also be accompanied by CG-UCI (i.e., UL control associated with the configured grant transmission). There may be, for example, a specific CG-PUSCH configuration dedicated to transmitting positioning requests by the UE. One advantage of using CG-UCI is that it allows using longer gNB processing time (from detection of triggering RS to transmission of PRS) while still using Type 2C LBT.

[0077] In this way, by using a specific SRS configuration to trigger PRS transmission in the unlicensed spectrum, the UE can share the initiated COT with the responding gNB, thereby mitigating the impact of the LBT process on PRS transmission and potential hidden node problems at the UE. At the same time, the transmission of periodic PRS in the unlicensed spectrum can be reduced, thereby reducing interference to the unlicensed spectrum.

[0078] It can be understood that the scheme proposed in the present disclosure can also be used for the transmission of other reference signals used for positioning in the unlicensed frequency band between UE and gNB.

[0079] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example method 300 for transmitting a second positioning reference signal in an unlicensed band triggered by an SRS according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 300 may be performed in a manner such as Figure 1For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Method 300 is described.

[0080] At 310 , a first device receives, from a second device, configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal of the first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0081] At 320, if the first device determines that a positioning estimate based on at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal is needed, the first device performs transmission of a first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information.

[0082] At 330, the first device monitors at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal based on the configuration information, the at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal being triggered based on detection of a transmission of the first positioning reference signal from at least one of the second device or at least one third device. . .

[0083] In some example embodiments, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: a first time window, within which transmission of a first positioning reference signal is allowed to be performed, a second time window, within which reception of at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal is performed at the first device, at least one of a channel access type or a priority level for a listen-before-talk procedure to be performed at the first device before the transmission of the first positioning reference signal, and a time advance value for the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the first device may obtain from the configuration information a first time window in which the transmission of the first positioning reference signal is allowed, and before the first time window begins, perform a listen-before-talk procedure based on at least one of a channel access type or a priority level. If the first device determines that the listen-before-talk procedure is successful, the first device determines a channel occupancy time shared with at least one of the second device and the at least one third device, and performs the transmission of the first positioning reference signal according to the channel occupancy time.

[0085] In some example embodiments, if the first device determines that the second positioning reference signal is received, the first device may determine whether a received power level of the second positioning reference signal is below a threshold level. If the first device determines that the received power level is below the threshold level, the first device may perform another transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0086] In some example embodiments, if the first device determines that the second positioning reference signal is received, the first device may determine whether a level of a reference signal time difference amount associated with the second positioning reference signal is below a threshold level. If the first device determines that the level of the reference signal time difference amount is below the threshold level, the first device performs another transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0087] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example method 400 for transmitting a second positioning reference signal in an unlicensed band triggered by an SRS according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 400 may be performed in a manner such as Figure 1 For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Method 400 is described.

[0088] At 410, the second device sends configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal of the first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal to the first device and at least one third device.

[0089] At 420, the second device detects the transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information.

[0090] At 430, the second device causes at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal to the first device to be triggered based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: a first time window, within which transmission of a first positioning reference signal is allowed to be performed, a second time window, within which reception of at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal is performed at the first device, at least one of a channel access type or a priority level for a listen-before-talk procedure to be performed at the first device before the transmission of the first positioning reference signal, and a cell-specific time advance value for the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0092] In some example embodiments, the second device may acquire, from the configuration information, a first time window in which transmission of the first positioning reference signal is allowed; and detect transmission of the first positioning reference signal within the first time window.

[0093] In some example embodiments, if the second device determines that the transmission of the first positioning reference signal is successfully detected, the second device may acquire a channel occupancy time shared with at least one of the second device and at least one third device, and cause at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to be triggered within the channel occupancy time.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the second device may determine, based on the configuration information, a duration of an interval between an end time point of transmission of the first positioning reference signal and a start time point of at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal within the channel occupancy time. If the second device determines that the determined type of listen-before-talk procedure is successful, the second device may cause at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to be triggered.

[0095] In some example embodiments, if the second device determines that the duration of the interval is below a first threshold duration, the second device may perform a first type of listen-before-talk procedure.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the second device may perform a second type of listen-before-talk procedure if the duration of the second device interval equals a first threshold duration or exceeds a second threshold duration, the second threshold duration being greater than the first threshold duration.

[0097] In some example embodiments, if the second device determines that the determined type of listen-before-talk process is unsuccessful, the second device may determine a subsequent transmission timing for a subsequent transmission of a second positioning reference signal within the channel occupancy time, and cause the subsequent transmission of the second positioning reference signal to be triggered based on the subsequent transmission timing.

[0098] In some example embodiments, if the second device determines that the transmission of the first positioning reference signal was not successfully detected, the second device may perform a third type of listen-before-talk procedure. If the second device determines that the third type of listen-before-talk procedure is successful, the second device may cause at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to be triggered.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the second device may determine whether to initiate transmission of a first positioning reference signal from the first device based on a set of attribute parameters of the first device. If the second device determines that transmission of the first positioning reference signal will be initiated from the first device, the second device may send configuration information to the first device.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the set of attribute parameters includes at least one of: an estimate of a previous position of the first device, a mobility report of the first device, a current timing advance value of the first device, and a power level of the first device used for a previous transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0101] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example method 500 for transmitting a second positioning reference signal in an unlicensed band triggered by an SRS according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 500 may be performed in a manner such as Figure 1 For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1Method 500 is described.

[0102] At 510 , the third device receives, from the second device, configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal of the first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0103] At 520, the third device detects the transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information.

[0104] At 530, the third device causes at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal to the first device to be triggered based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the third device may acquire, from the configuration information, a first time window in which transmission of the first positioning reference signal is allowed, and detect transmission of the first positioning reference signal within the first time window.

[0106] In some example embodiments, if the third device determines that the transmission of the first positioning reference signal is successfully detected, the third device may acquire a channel occupancy time shared with at least one of the second device and at least one third device, and cause at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to be triggered within the channel occupancy time.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the third device may determine, based on the configuration information, a duration of an interval between an end time point of transmission of the first positioning reference signal and a start time point of at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal within the channel occupancy time, and determine a type of a listen-before-talk procedure to be performed at the third device based on the duration of the interval. If the third device determines that the determined type of listen-before-talk procedure is successful, the third device may cause at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to be triggered.

[0108] In some example embodiments, if the third device determines that the duration of the interval is below a first threshold duration, the third device may perform a first type of listen-before-talk procedure.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the third device may perform a second type of listen-before-talk procedure if the third device determines that the duration of the interval equals a first threshold duration or exceeds a second threshold duration, the second threshold duration being greater than the first threshold duration.

[0110] In some example embodiments, if the third device determines that the determined type of listen-before-talk process is unsuccessful, the third device may determine a subsequent transmission timing for a subsequent transmission of a second positioning reference signal within the channel occupancy time, and cause the subsequent transmission of the second positioning reference signal to be triggered based on the subsequent transmission timing.

[0111] In some example embodiments, if the third device determines that the transmission of the first positioning reference signal was not successfully detected, the third device may perform a third type of listen-before-talk procedure. If the third device determines that the third type of listen-before-talk procedure is successful, the third device may cause at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to be triggered.

[0112] In some example embodiments, a component capable of performing method 300 (eg, implemented at UE 110) may include components for performing the various steps of method 300. The apparatus may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the apparatus may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for receiving, from a second device, configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal for a first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal; a component for performing transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information if it is determined that a positioning estimate based on at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal is required; and a component for detecting at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal based on the configuration information, wherein the at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal is based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal and is triggered from at least one of the second device or at least one third device.

[0114] In some example embodiments, means capable of performing method 400 (e.g., implemented at serving gNB 120-1) may include means for performing the various steps of method 400. The apparatus may be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, the apparatus may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for sending configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal for the first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal to a first device and at least one third device; a component for detecting the transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information; and a component for causing at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to the first device to be triggered based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0116] In some example embodiments, means capable of performing method 500 (e.g., implemented at neighboring gNB 120-2) may include means for performing the various steps of method 500. The apparatus may be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, the apparatus may be implemented in a circuit or a software module.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for receiving, from a second device, configuration information for transmission of a first positioning reference signal for a first device and at least one transmission of a second positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the first positioning reference signal; a component for detecting the transmission of the first positioning reference signal based on the configuration information; and a component for causing at least one transmission of the second positioning reference signal to the first device to be triggered based on the detection of the transmission of the first positioning reference signal.

[0118] Figure 6 600 is a simplified block diagram of a device 600 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 600 may be provided to implement Figure 1 The communication device shown is, for example, a UE 110, a serving gNB 120-1, and a neighboring gNB 120-2. As shown, the device 600 includes one or more processors 610, one or more memories 620 coupled to the processor 610, and one or more transmitters and / or receivers (TX / RX) 640 coupled to the processor 610.

[0119] The TX / RX 640 is used for bidirectional communication. The TX / RX 640 has at least one antenna to assist in communication. The communication interface may represent any interface required to communicate with other network elements.

[0120] Processor 610 may be of any type suitable for use in a local technology network, and may include one or more of: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Device 600 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips that are time slaved to a clock of a synchronized master processor.

[0121] The memory 620 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 624, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 622 and other volatile memories that do not persist over the duration of a power outage.

[0122] Computer program 630 includes computer executable instructions executed by associated processor 610. Program 630 may be stored in ROM 624. Processor 610 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 630 into RAM 622.

[0123] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by a program 630, so that the device 600 may execute the following steps: Figures 2 to 5 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The embodiments of the present disclosure can also be implemented by hardware or a combination of hardware and software.

[0124] In some embodiments, the program 630 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device 600 (e.g., in the memory 620) or in other storage devices accessible to the device 600. The device 600 may load the program 630 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 622 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 7 An example of a computer readable medium 700 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. The computer readable medium has a program 630 stored thereon.

[0125] In general, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other illustrations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the boxes, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0126] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as those included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target real processor or a virtual processor to implement the above referenced Figure 3 and Figure 5 The methods 300-500 are described. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functions of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed. Machine executable instructions for program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0127] The program code for executing the method of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device so that when the program code is executed by the processor or controller, the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram are implemented. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0128] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable an apparatus, device or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0129] The computer readable medium may be a machine readable signal medium or a machine readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, device or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of machine readable storage media would include: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0130] In addition, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown or in a continuous order, or performing all illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific example implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but should be interpreted as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular implementation. Certain features described in the context of separate implementations may also be combined in a single implementation. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented separately in multiple implementations or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0131] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receiving, from a second device, configuration information for transmission of a sounding reference signal of a first device and at least one transmission of a positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the sounding reference signal; if it is determined that a positioning estimate based on at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is needed, performing the transmission of the sounding reference signal based on the configuration information; as well as Monitoring the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal based on the configuration information, the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal being triggered based on detection of the transmission of the sounding reference signal from at least one of the following: the second device; or At least one third device.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the configuration information comprises at least one of the following: a first time window, within which the transmission of the sounding reference signal is allowed to be performed, a second time window within which reception of at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is performed at the first device, at least one of a channel access type or a priority level for a listen-before-talk procedure to be performed at the first device prior to the transmission of the sounding reference signal, and A timing advance value for the transmission of the sounding reference signal.

3. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to transmit by: Acquire a first time window from the configuration information, and allow the transmission of the sounding reference signal to be performed within the first time window; Before the first time window begins, performing a listen-before-talk process based on at least one of a channel access type or a priority level; If it is determined that the listen-before-talk process is successful, determining a channel occupancy time shared with at least one of the second device and the at least one third device; and The transmitting of the sounding reference signal is performed according to the channel occupancy time.

4. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is further configured to: If it is determined that the positioning reference signal is received, determining whether a received power level of the positioning reference signal is lower than a threshold level; and If it is determined that the received power level is below the threshold level, another transmission of the sounding reference signal is performed.

5. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is further caused to: If it is determined that the positioning reference signal is received, determining whether a level of a reference signal time difference amount associated with the positioning reference signal is below a threshold level; and If it is determined that the level of the reference signal time difference amount is below a threshold level, another transmission of the sounding reference signal is performed. 6 . The first device according to claim 1 , wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, the second device comprises a network device, and the at least one third device comprises a network device.

7. A second device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: sending, to a first device and at least one third device, configuration information for transmission of a sounding reference signal from the first device and at least one transmission of a positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the sounding reference signal; detecting the transmission of the sounding reference signal based on the configuration information; as well as The at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to the first device is caused to be triggered based on detection of the transmission of the sounding reference signal.

8. The second device according to claim 7, wherein the configuration information comprises at least one of the following: a first time window, within which the transmission of the sounding reference signal is allowed to be performed, a second time window within which reception of at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is performed at the first device, at least one of a channel access type or a priority level for a listen-before-talk procedure to be performed at the first device prior to the transmission of the sounding reference signal, and A cell-specific timing advance value for the transmission of the sounding reference signal.

9. The second device of claim 7, wherein the second device is caused to detect the transmission of the sounding reference signal by: Acquire a first time window from the configuration information, wherein the transmission of the sounding reference signal is allowed to be performed in the first time window; and The transmission of the sounding reference signal is detected within the first time window.

10. The second device according to claim 7, wherein the second device is caused to cause the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered by: If it is determined that the transmission of the sounding reference signal is successfully detected, acquiring a channel occupancy time shared with at least one of the second device and the at least one third device; and The at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered within the channel occupancy time.

11. The second device according to claim 10, wherein the second device is configured to cause the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered within the channel occupancy time by: Determine, based on the configuration information, a duration of an interval between an end time point of the transmission of the sounding reference signal and a start time point of the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal within the channel occupancy time; determining a type of listen-before-talk process to be performed at the second device based on the duration of the interval; as well as If it is determined that the determined type of the listen-before-talk procedure is successful, causing the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered.

12. The second device of claim 11, wherein the second device is caused to determine the type of the listen-before-talk process by: If it is determined that the duration of the interval is below a first threshold duration, a first type of listen-before-talk procedure is performed.

13. The second device of claim 11, wherein the second device is caused to determine the type of the listen-before-talk process by: If it is determined that the duration of the interval is equal to a first threshold duration or exceeds a second threshold duration, a second type of listen-before-talk process is performed, the second threshold duration being greater than the first threshold duration.

14. The second device according to claim 11, wherein the second device is further caused to: If it is determined that the determined type of listen-before-talk process is unsuccessful, determining a subsequent transmission timing for a subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal within the channel occupancy time; and The subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered based on the subsequent transmission opportunity.

15. The second device according to claim 7, wherein the second device is caused to cause the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered by: If it is determined that the transmission of the sounding reference signal is not successfully detected, performing a third type of listen-before-talk procedure; and If it is determined that the third type of listen-before-talk procedure is successful, the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered.

16. The second device according to claim 7, wherein the second device is further configured to send the configuration information by: determining whether to initiate the transmission of the sounding reference signal from the first device based on a set of attribute parameters of the first device; and If it is determined that the transmission of the sounding reference signal will be initiated from the first device, configuration information is sent to the first device.

17. The second device according to claim 16, wherein the set of attribute parameters comprises at least one of the following: an estimate of a previous position of the first device, a mobility report of the first device, the current time advance value of the first device, and A power level of the first device used for a previous transmission of the sounding reference signal.

18. The second device according to claim 7, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, the second device comprises a network device, and the third device comprises a network device.

19. A third device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: receiving, from a second device, configuration information for transmission of a sounding reference signal of a first device and at least one transmission of a positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the sounding reference signal; detecting the transmission of the sounding reference signal based on the configuration information; as well as The at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to the first device is caused to be triggered based on detection of the transmission of the sounding reference signal.

20. The third device according to claim 19, wherein the third device is caused to detect the transmission of the sounding reference signal by: Acquire a first time window from the configuration information, wherein the transmission of the sounding reference signal is allowed to be performed within the first time window; and The transmission of the sounding reference signal is detected within the first time window.

21. The third device according to claim 19, wherein the third device is caused to cause the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered by: If it is determined that the transmission of the sounding reference signal is successfully detected, acquiring a channel occupancy time shared with at least one of a second device and at least one third device; and Such that at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered within the channel occupancy time.

22. The third device according to claim 21, wherein the third device is configured to cause the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered within the channel occupancy time by: Determine, based on the configuration information, a duration of an interval between an end time point of the transmission of the sounding reference signal and a start time point of the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal within the channel occupancy time; determining a type of listen-before-talk process to be performed at the third device based on the duration of the interval; as well as If it is determined that the determined type of the listen-before-talk procedure is successful, causing the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered.

23. The third device of claim 22, wherein the third device is configured to determine the type of the listen-before-talk process by: If it is determined that the duration of the interval is below a first threshold duration, a first type of listen-before-talk procedure is performed.

24. The third device of claim 22, wherein the third device is caused to determine the type of the listen-before-talk process by: A second type of listen-before-talk process is performed if it is determined that the duration of the interval is equal to a first threshold duration or exceeds a second threshold duration, the second threshold duration being greater than the first threshold duration.

25. The third device according to claim 22, wherein the third device is further caused to: If it is determined that the determined type of listen-before-talk process is unsuccessful, determining a subsequent transmission timing for a subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal within the channel occupancy time; and The subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered based on the subsequent transmission opportunity.

26. The third device according to claim 19, wherein the third device is caused to cause the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered by: If it is determined that the transmission of the sounding reference signal is not successfully detected, performing a third type of listen-before-talk procedure; and If it is determined that the listen-before-talk procedure of the third type is successful, the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered.

27. The third device according to claim 19, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, the second device comprises a network device, and the third device comprises a network device.

28. A method for communication, comprising: receiving, at a first device and from a second device, configuration information for transmission of a sounding reference signal from the first device and at least one transmission of a positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the sounding reference signal; if it is determined that a positioning estimate based on at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is needed, performing the transmission of the sounding reference signal based on the configuration information; as well as The at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is detected based on the configuration information, wherein the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered based on the detection of the transmission of the sounding reference signal from at least one of the following: the second device; or At least one third device.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the configuration information comprises at least one of the following: a first time window, within which the transmission of the sounding reference signal is allowed to be performed, a second time window within which reception of at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is performed at the first device, at least one of a channel access type or a priority level for a listen-before-talk procedure to be performed at the first device prior to the transmission of the sounding reference signal, and A timing advance value for the transmission of the sounding reference signal.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein performing the transmission of the sounding reference signal comprises: Acquire a first time window from the configuration information, and allow the transmission of the sounding reference signal to be performed within the first time window; Before the first time window begins, performing a listen-before-talk process based on at least one of a channel access type or a priority level; If it is determined that the listen-before-talk process is successful, determining a channel occupation time shared with at least one of the second device and the at least one third device; as well as The transmitting of the sounding reference signal is performed according to the channel occupancy time.

31. The method of claim 28, further comprising: If it is determined that the positioning reference signal is received, determining whether a received power level of the positioning reference signal is lower than a threshold level; as well as If it is determined that the received power level is below the threshold level, another transmission of the sounding reference signal is performed.

32. The method of claim 28, further comprising: If it is determined that the positioning reference signal is received, determining whether a level of a reference signal time difference amount associated with the positioning reference signal is lower than a threshold level; as well as If it is determined that the level of the reference signal time difference amount is below a threshold level, another transmission of the sounding reference signal is performed.

33. The method of claim 28, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, the second device comprises a network device, and the at least one third device comprises a network device.

34. A method for communication, comprising: sending, from a second device to a first device and at least one third device, configuration information for transmission of a sounding reference signal from the first device and at least one transmission of a positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the sounding reference signal; detecting the transmission of the sounding reference signal based on the configuration information; as well as The at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to the first device is caused to be triggered based on detection of the transmission of the sounding reference signal.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the configuration information comprises at least one of the following: a first time window, within which the transmission of the sounding reference signal is allowed to be performed, a second time window within which reception of at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is performed at the first device, at least one of a channel access type or a priority level for a listen-before-talk procedure to be performed at the first device prior to the transmission of the sounding reference signal, and A cell-specific timing advance value for the transmission of the sounding reference signal.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein detecting the transmission of the sounding reference signal comprises: Acquire a first time window from the configuration information, and allow the transmission of the sounding reference signal to be performed within the first time window; as well as The transmission of the sounding reference signal is detected within the first time window.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein causing the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered comprises: If it is determined that the transmission of the sounding reference signal is successfully detected, acquiring a channel occupancy time shared with at least one of the second device and the at least one third device; as well as The at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered within the channel occupancy time.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein causing the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered within the channel occupancy time comprises: Determine, based on the configuration information, a duration of an interval between an end time point of the transmission of the sounding reference signal and a start time point of the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal within the channel occupancy time; determining a type of listen-before-talk process to be performed at the second device based on the duration of the interval; as well as If it is determined that the determined type of the listen-before-talk procedure is successful, causing the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein determining the type of the listen-before-talk process comprises: If it is determined that the duration of the interval is below a first threshold duration, a first type of listen-before-talk procedure is performed.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein determining the type of the listen-before-talk process comprises: A second type of listen-before-talk process is performed if it is determined that the duration of the interval is equal to a first threshold duration or exceeds a second threshold duration, the second threshold duration being greater than the first threshold duration.

41. The method of claim 38, further comprising: If it is determined that the determined type of the listen-before-talk process is unsuccessful, determining a subsequent transmission timing for a subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal within the channel occupancy time; as well as The subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered based on the subsequent transmission opportunity.

42. The method of claim 34, wherein causing the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered comprises: if it is determined that the transmission of the sounding reference signal is not successfully detected, performing a third type of listen-before-talk procedure; as well as If it is determined that the third type of listen-before-talk procedure is successful, the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered.

43. The method of claim 34, wherein the sending the configuration information comprises: determining, based on a set of attribute parameters of the first device, whether to initiate the transmission of the sounding reference signal from the first device; as well as If it is determined that the transmission of the sounding reference signal will be initiated from the first device, configuration information is sent to the first device.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the set of attribute parameters comprises at least one of the following: an estimate of a previous position of the first device, a mobility report of the first device, the current time advance value of the first device, and A power level of the first device used for a previous transmission of the sounding reference signal.

45. The method of claim 34, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, the second device comprises a network device, and the third device comprises a network device.

46. ​​A method for communication, comprising: receiving, at a third device and from a second device, configuration information for transmission of a sounding reference signal of a first device and at least one transmission of a positioning reference signal associated with said transmission of said sounding reference signal; detecting the transmission of the sounding reference signal based on the configuration information; as well as The at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to the first device is caused to be triggered based on detection of the transmission of the sounding reference signal.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein detecting the transmission of the sounding reference signal comprises: Acquire a first time window from the configuration information, and allow the transmission of the sounding reference signal to be performed within the first time window; as well as The transmission of the sounding reference signal is detected within the first time window.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein causing the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered comprises: If it is determined that the transmission of the sounding reference signal is successfully detected, acquiring a channel occupancy time shared with at least one of a second device and at least one third device; as well as Such that at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered within the channel occupancy time.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein causing the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered within the channel occupancy time comprises: Determine, based on the configuration information, a duration of an interval between an end time point of the transmission of the sounding reference signal and a start time point of the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal within the channel occupancy time; determining a type of listen-before-talk process to be performed at the third device based on the duration of the interval; as well as If it is determined that the determined type of the listen-before-talk procedure is successful, causing the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein determining the type of the listen-before-talk process comprises: If it is determined that the duration of the interval is below a first threshold duration, a first type of listen-before-talk procedure is performed.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein determining the type of the listen-before-talk process comprises: A second type of listen-before-talk process is performed if it is determined that the duration of the interval is equal to a first threshold duration or exceeds a second threshold duration, the second threshold duration being greater than the first threshold duration.

52. The method of claim 49, further comprising: If it is determined that the determined type of the listen-before-talk process is unsuccessful, determining a subsequent transmission timing for a subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal within the channel occupancy time; as well as The subsequent transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered based on the subsequent transmission opportunity.

53. The method of claim 46, wherein causing the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal to be triggered comprises: if it is determined that the transmission of the sounding reference signal is not successfully detected, performing a third type of listen-before-talk procedure; as well as If it is determined that the third type of listen-before-talk procedure is successful, the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal is triggered.

54. The method of claim 46, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, the second device comprises a network device, and the third device comprises a network device.

55. An apparatus for communication, comprising: means for receiving, from a second device, configuration information for transmission of a sounding reference signal of a first device and at least one transmission of a positioning reference signal associated with said transmission of said sounding reference signal; means for performing said transmission of said sounding reference signal based on said configuration information if it is determined that a positioning estimate based on at least one transmission of said positioning reference signal is required; as well as means for detecting the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal based on the configuration information, the at least one transmission of the positioning reference signal being triggered based on the detection of the transmission of the sounding reference signal from at least one of: the second device; or At least one third device.

56. An apparatus for communication, comprising: means for sending, to a first device and at least one third device, configuration information for transmission of a sounding reference signal of the first device and at least one transmission of a positioning reference signal associated with the transmission of the sounding reference signal; means for detecting said transmission of said sounding reference signal based on said configuration information; as well as Means for causing said at least one transmission of said positioning reference signal to said first device to be triggered based on detection of said transmission of said sounding reference signal.

57. An apparatus for communication, comprising: means for receiving, from a second device, configuration information for transmission of a sounding reference signal of a first device and at least one transmission of a positioning reference signal associated with said transmission of said sounding reference signal; means for detecting said transmission of said sounding reference signal based on said configuration information; as well as Means for causing said at least one transmission of said positioning reference signal to said first device to be triggered based on detection of said transmission of said sounding reference signal.

58. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing a device to perform the method according to any one of claims 28-33.

59. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing a device to at least perform the method according to any one of claims 34-45.

60. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing a device to perform the method according to any one of claims 46-54.

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